Contraceptive devices are the devices which block the entry of sperm into oviducts thereby preventing the egg from being fertilized. These devices help to prevent transmission of many infections to some extent. e.g. Copper-T or intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) placed in the uterus blocks the passage of sperm. Contraceptive drugs can also be taken orally as pills to avoid pregnancy. Condoms on the penis or similar coverings worn in the vagina can also be used. Surgical methods like vasectomy in males to block the vas deference so that sperm transfer will be prevented and tubectomy in females to block the fallopian tube which makes the egg unreachable to uterus are proven to be contraceptive methods. Surgical methods are safe in the long run.

Surgery can also be used for aborting unwanted pregnancies. However, this is often misused for illegally aborting female fetuses. To prevent female foeticide (killing of a foetus), prenatal sex determination has been prohibited by law.